Political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) escalated on Monday after Kisumu Senator Ruth Odinga publicly criticised what she described as a deliberate smear campaign targeting the Odinga family.
Speaking during the Kisumu Bunge la Wananchi forum held at her home, the senator without naming individuals accused some elements within political circles of advancing their personal interests at the expense of the Odinga family, even as the family continues to mourn the loss of close relatives.
“We have lost my brother and my sister. It is very sad to find that people, especially on social media, are disparaging the name of this family,” Ruth Odinga said, expressing her frustration.
She said such attacks were not only hurtful but also deeply disrespectful to the legacy of ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“It is wrong. It undermines the family and disrespects Raila Odinga. By disrespecting the family, it shows you were not genuine. It has only been two months. Let us mourn in peace,” she added.
Later, in a statement shared on her official social media platforms, the senator appeared to push back against what she termed as attempts by some ODM stakeholders to portray themselves as being closer to the late former Prime Minister than others.
In the same breath, Ruth Odinga came to the defence of Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who has recently faced criticism from sections of the party over his outspoken position on the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Anyone telling Kenyans that Hon. Raila had a series of private conversations with him on a wide range of issues is lying and must be called out,” she said. “Jakom had a way of speaking his mind and would make public his stand on national issues.”
She added that Sifuna was equally regarded as one of Raila Odinga’s political sons and had open channels of communication with him, cautioning against claims of exclusivity.
“Talking of Baba’s sons, Nairobi Senator and ODM SG Edwin Sifuna was equally his son and used to talk to him. No one should claim to have been closer to Raila than everyone else,” she said.
Although Ruth Odinga did not mention any names, her remarks were widely seen as a response to claims made by Oketch Salah, a politician and adopted son of the late former Prime Minister. Speaking at a function in Rarieda Constituency on December 24, Oketch claimed that Raila Odinga had confided in him during his final days, allegedly expressing concern about Sifuna.
“One thing that Raila once told me that I have now seen happening is about Sifuna,” Oketch said. “He told me to forget about Sifuna, saying he was closely observing him and that he might be someone’s mole.”
In her remarks, Ruth Odinga urged ODM members to move away from internal wrangles and focus instead on implementing the 10-point agenda outlined in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
She also made a striking comment on ongoing claims about the alleged “selling” of ODM, suggesting that the party had already been sold and that those involved were now under pressure to meet timelines to complete the transaction.
Her comments come at a time when ODM continues to grapple with internal divisions, heightened public scrutiny, and questions about its direction in the post-Raila political era.